Understanding the Difference: Cultural Assimilation vs. Appropriation
It’s become commonplace to see people adopting cultural practices from various parts of the world, be it in the way we dress, eat, or interact with others. However, there’s a fine line between cultural assimilation and appropriation, and it’s critical to understand the distinction to avoid unintentionally causing harm.
What is Cultural Assimilation?
Cultural assimilation refers to the gradual and voluntary process through which an individual adopts the customs, beliefs, and values of the dominant culture. It’s a two-way process where both the minority and majority groups exchange cultural practices, bridging the gap between their cultural differences.
Cultural assimilation occurs in many ways, including intermarriage, language acquisition, and education. For instance, immigrants who switch their food choices from their home country to that of the host nation are assimilating into the host culture.
What is Cultural Appropriation?
On the other hand, cultural appropriation occurs when someone from a dominant culture takes elements of another culture without permission, understanding or respect for its original context or meaning. Often, cultural appropriation involves the commodification of sacred cultural symbols, such as headdresses and bindis.
Unfortunately, cultural appropriation has become a buzzword in the current age because of several instances where people have misused elements of culture for personal gain or entertainment.
How to Distinguish Between Cultural Assimilation and Appropriation
Distinguishing between cultural assimilation and appropriation can sometimes be challenging as the two concepts share some similarities. However, there are vital differences to consider. For cultural assimilation, the exchange happens between two groups equally. On the other hand, cultural appropriation frequently involves the dominant culture taking elements from the minority culture.
Additionally, cultural assimilation occurs when people from different cultures genuinely strive to learn about each other’s traditions and practice them, whereas cultural appropriation exists when there’s a total disregard for the culture’s original context and meaning.
The Impact of Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation is more than just a political correctness issue – it affects real people’s lives. For example, when someone wears an item of clothing that is sacred to a culture, they can take away the cultural value and significance of that item. When that happens, the people who belong to that culture are left feeling disrespected or, even worse, stigmatized.
Cultural appropriation can also commodify sacred cultural symbols, robbing them of their real meaning and value. For instance, the selling of Native American headdresses has led to the trivialization of the sacred symbols, leading to cultural disintegration.
How to Respect Different Cultures
Respecting different cultures involves understanding that each culture has its own unique practices, meanings, and traditions that need to be respected. It’s essential to engage with the dominant culture in a way that doesn’t take away from the minority’s cultural significance.
Some practical steps to respect other cultures include educating oneself about the other culture, listening to the views and opinions of those from that community, and asking for permission to participate in any cultural practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural assimilation and appropriation are vastly different, and it’s essential to understand the differences to avoid causing harm to those from other cultures. By respecting and learning about other cultures, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated and cultures are preserved for future generations.
